TBS will be used as model for bus terminal upgrades - minister

Transport Minister Anthony Loke today said that facilities for passengers and drivers at the Southern Integrated Terminal (TBS) will be used as a benchmark for upgrades of other bus terminals nationwide.

Speaking to reporters after a walkabout at the terminal, Loke said that one feature that could be replicated is its centralised ticketing system to end the practice of touting – a common problem during festive periods.

"TBS can be a model in terms of infrastructure and management. I have visited several terminals nationwide, in Malacca, Alor Setar and others.

"There are good facilities, but we want to reach a higher level, like what we have here," said the minister, who was accompanied by TBS managing director Roslan Shariff.

In future, Loke said, the government through the Land Public Transport Agency will aim to introduce a regulatory framework for bus terminal operators, mandating a minimum level of facilities that must be provided.

No more touts

On the centralised ticketing system put in place since TBS began operations eight years ago, Loke said that touts no longer have the opportunity to buy and resell bus tickets during peak periods at exorbitant prices.

"Unlike the old way of buying tickets from individual bus company counters, passengers can now purchase their tickets from any of the 70 counters here, and there will be an additional 19 counters open for Chinese New Year.

"Only passengers with valid tickets are allowed to access the departure bay, which has also prevented the problem of touts," he said.

For the coming Chinese New Year celebrations next month, Loke said he was informed by TBS management of preparations for increased daily departures and arrivals, from Feb 1 to Feb 10.

"The current average of around 16,000 daily passengers is expected to increase to between 18,000 and 19,000 passengers," he said, adding that there are approximately 1,000 daily departures and 1,000 arrivals of buses.

CNY surcharge

To meet the increased demand, Loke said, there will be close to 300 additional buses departing from TBS during the period, with all bus operators imposing a 10 percent surcharge to the ticket price.

"If we don't allow the companies to include the surcharge, then the number of services might be reduced.

"We don't want a situation where there is less supply than demand," he said, adding that bus companies have always been allowed to impose surcharges during Chinese New Year and Hari Raya celebrations.

In terms of safety standards, Loke said he was earlier taken to the TBS holding bays, where Road Transport Department officers will inspect each bus before being allowed to depart.

Each driver will also be tested to ensure that they are fit to drive, he added. - Mkini